Posted on

bon iver // towers (official video)

It’s not that Justin Vernon of Bon Iver is feeling himself after his 54th Grammy Awards nomination and subsequent wins for Best Alternative Music Album and Best New Artist respectively, anything but. He still remains humble and true to his craft, and in some respects maintains, no elevates his integrity for not bowing to the pressure of the machine by not performing. His reason for shunning the stage and thus losing an opportunity to be seen by some 39.3 million viewers (Nielsen Co.)? Well, it’s simple. Justin Vernon is his own man. It is apparent Justin Vernon loves the music he creates. But it goes beyond that, he respects and cares deeply for his bandmates too. And lastly, he respects his chosen craft and his fans. Don’t me wrong, performing on a Grammy stage is not necessarily a bad thing, it’s not. But Justin Vernon didn’t want to have to jump through hoops to do it. Why go through the staid motions of a heartless collaboration not of his own choosing? And so he demurred. What Bon Iver did is laudable to say the least. And yes, there are more important things in this world than award shows, but what Mr. Vernon represented, was that you can be present at an award, and even graciously accept an award, but you don’t have to be the award show. And he didn’t. Mr. Vernon knows in his heart that the music is infinitely more important than a Grammy award. What a class act.

Now, I almost forgot I was writing about Bon Iver’s new NABIL directed video for “Towers” and it is beautifully shot and choke full with visual metaphor aplenty. And yes, it many even be channeling Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man And The Sea, but that’s a way cool thing too. Peace. Continue reading “bon iver // towers (official video)”

Posted on

Dirty Ghosts // Shout It In

Allyson Baker has been on a musical journey, and it has led her from the northern environs of Canada to San Francisco, CA. Along the way her sound has morphed not a few times. Now, gone is most of her early punk influences, at least sonically speaking (Ms. Baker’s look is still unabashedly punk-rocker girl, albeit a kinder and gentler version). These days Dirty Ghosts finds a home somewhere in-between a R&B vibe and stealthy Funk-Pop machinations. Doesn’t matter what you call it really, because Dirty Ghosts works. Turn it on and you’ll witness how this track enlivens any space it is set free to roam. The song, “Shout It In” is laden with swag galore. And although this song my not be consciously trying to get into your pants, it will. Coupled with a blatantly nasty groove as a wing-man they’ll get your ass moving in no time. Dirty Ghosts latest LP Metal Moon is available now, and if you skedaddle over to the bands Facebook you’ll get a Free Download for “Shout It In”.  I got mine (and I’m not sharing), now you get yours. Peace. Continue reading “Dirty Ghosts // Shout It In”

Posted on

robin pecknold // ollivia, in a separate bed (demo)


 
When Robin Pecknold grabs his guitar, more than likely good and beautiful things are going to manifest themselves into reality. This man, who is the voice, and veritable life-force behind the incredible Folk-Rock band Fleet Foxes, can take ordinary human feelings and gain access to a place both raw and vulnerable. And he does it with a deftness and acuity that is comforting, unsettling and gorgeous beyond measure, and I love it. I admire how this man punches holes in the air of heartbreak just to breathe. And in doing so, he shows us how to breathe too. Through listening we gain the ability to resuscitate our own singular selves as well. The song, “Olivia, In A Separate Bed” is of course something personal, and I’m sure it’s stocked to the hilt with secret message enough to keep a cryptologist occupied for a lifetime. But to the ardent listener its tone and timbre are irresponsibly fragile, and we brush up against the blood bruises of sadness loud and feel them loud and clear. In the end, we know there is a path out of heartache, and there too is strength to be gained from experiencing much pain. Peace. Continue reading “robin pecknold // ollivia, in a separate bed (demo)”

Posted on

Soko // First Love Never Die

Yep, it’s official my ears are in a love/lust mode for the Los Angeles artiste Soko (Stéphanie Sokolinski) and her heart in a blender song “First Love Never Die” and if you don’t feel like taking this song to bed then you’re an eunuch or something equally androgynous or sexually inert. I’ll get my head out of the gutter as soon as you stop trying to steal my song. Yes, it’s one of those days. And if you long to have this one all to your self cop it on iTunes. Peace. Continue reading “Soko // First Love Never Die”

Posted on

Married To The Sea // Mutiny

You know you got a good bunch of friends when they’re suggesting such good music as that put out by Married To The Sea and their latest Pack Xerxes EP. Now I’m not sure if the album title is a reference to the Persian ruler of long ago (See the movie 300). But I do know this, I like the two tracks I’ve heard thus far, “Mutiny” and “Crash Hams,” and yes they resonate at very pleasurable wavelengths (“Crash Hams”). For more of this excellent band check out their SoundCloud. Peace. Continue reading “Married To The Sea // Mutiny”

Posted on

fun // we are young (ft. janelle monáe)

Nate Ruess, Jack Antonoff and Andrew Dost are the NYC-based band Fun, and these guys are so much more they just a rollicking good time. And with their latest album Some Nights, we find the trio in fine music-making form doing what they do best; shredding your heart into bloody red ribbons. From the opening Freddie Mercury influenced opening “Some Nights Intro,” (by the way Nate Ruess’ vocals are sexier than a Mae West innuendo rolled in crystallized organic honey) to the closing song “Stars” you know that this album is certified blood, sweat and tears. Fuck the gold and platinum standards, this one throws illegal punches into your kidneys, and at moments leaves your pillow tear-stained. And then there is the crazy good (understatement) song “We Are Young (Ft. Janelle Monáe) and without a doubt this is one of those songs that’ll not only stick to your ribs, but prepare to have to this one smeared all over your love muscle too. Take that however you want to. Oh by the way you can stream the entire Some Nights LP on the band’s website at ournameisfun.com. One more reason to like this band, their label is co-founder John (Visionary) Janick’s very own Fueled By Ramen. Very, very badass. Peace.  Continue reading “fun // we are young (ft. janelle monáe)”

Posted on

Beyoncé // End of Time (Sky Monkey Remix)

You may have noticed that I post a not insubstantial amount of remixes here, and so it will come as no surprise that I offer yet another one. However, this one is muy especial because it is a submission to the Beyoncé End Of Time Remix Competition and this remix is by the very comparable DJ/Producer Sky Monkey. Here’s how it works, if you like this remix (I know you do) then head on over and cast your vote for Sky Monkey. Peace. Continue reading “Beyoncé // End of Time (Sky Monkey Remix)”

Posted on

Spring Offensive // Carrier

Nothing like a little dark song to make you feel better, right? The 5-piece band Spring Offensive from Oxford, U.K.  have honed melancholy to a razor’s edge with their latest offering “Carrier.” And not only should you thank lead vocalist Lucas Whitworth for his beautifully maudlin delivery, but video director Nicky Davidson should get a nod too. And if you’re one of our many fans in the U.K. do yourself a huge favor and check them out in person. After the jump you’ll find the latest video and tour schedule. Peace. Continue reading “Spring Offensive // Carrier”

Posted on

J Flash // Flashbang.002

Denver, Colorado denizen J Flash (Jack Botsford) continues to bring it! Fresh off the major success of his two previous releases SWAG and That’ll Work we see this young up and coming DJ/Producer igniting speaker boxes like neutron bombs once again. So get up and do a few stretches and some deep breathing exercises, then click play and dance until you fracture something. By the way, you can get this 30-minute mixtape as a totally righteous FREE DOWNLOAD! Peace. Continue reading “J Flash // Flashbang.002”

Posted on

L-Vis 1990 // Tonight (Video)

“In real love you want the other person’s good. In romantic love you want the other person.” —Margaret Anderson

Here’s the deal, in real life James Connolly is madly in love, perhaps enthralled, with his real life girlfriend. Awww so sweet, right? It’s all good! Except, when James Connolly expresses himself, you better watch out, because the long shadows of his thinking cat will engulf everything, and his creations are mostly known for inducing revelers to dance and party the night away.

And so, in the vein of love we find James C. paying homage to such iconic celluloid road trip films like True Romance, Paris Texas and Wild at Heart, London-based producer/DJ James Connolly bka L-Vis 1990 has outdone himself with the video premiere of “Tonight” (Ft. Samantha Lim). This video isn’t just ‘a video’, it is a furtherance of the previous video for “Lost In Love”(Ft. Javeon McCarthy). This couplet of images propels the idea of love continuously forward. It is a love story represented by real-life couple Cindy & Chachi (18 and 19 respectively) and their on-screen journey to the magical mecca of Vegas to get married. These videos are tributes to love and spontaneity, bruised innocence and flagging naïveté, and the enduring idea of two souls hitched together in the paradise of a universe of their own making. If you’ve been in love you’ll get it. But, if you haven’t known the effects of the inebriating cocktail of romantic love, then I charge you to most definitely ‘go there’. Live a little and love a lot. Peace.   Continue reading “L-Vis 1990 // Tonight (Video)”